Popovich vs. The Refs

May 28, 2012 11:29 AM

SPORTS --- Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks Monday night April 30, 2007 at the Pepsi Center in Denver to referee Bill Kennedy during the Spurs' game against the Nuggets. (WILLIAM LUTHER/STAFF) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

SPORTS --- Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks Monday night April 30, 2007 at the Pepsi Center in Denver to referee Bill Kennedy during the Spurs' game against the Nuggets. (WILLIAM LUTHER/STAFF) ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, left, argues a call with official Tim Donaghy during the fourth quarte of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006. San Antonio defeated Indiana 92-88. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, left, argues a call with official Tim Donaghy during the fourth quarte of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006. San ... more

SPORTS Spurs coach Greg Popovich gets tossed from the game against the Raptors in the fourth quarter Friday at the AT&T Center. Referee Bob Delaney had heard enough complaining after a close call on Tim Duncan. San Antonio Spurs versus the Toronto Raptors at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, December 28, 2007. Tom Reel/Staff December 28, 2007. (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

SPORTS Spurs coach Greg Popovich gets tossed from the game against the Raptors in the fourth quarter Friday at the AT&T Center. Referee Bob Delaney had heard enough complaining after a close call on Tim ... more

SPORTS Spurs coach Greg Popovich gestures wildly as he gets tossed out of the game against Toronto by referee Bob Delaney. San Antonio Spurs versus the Toronto Raptors at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, December 28, 2007. Tom Reel/Staff December 28, 2007. (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

SPORTS Spurs coach Greg Popovich gestures wildly as he gets tossed out of the game against Toronto by referee Bob Delaney. San Antonio Spurs versus the Toronto Raptors at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, ... more

SPORTS Spurs coach Greg Popovich comes back on the court to say a final complaint against referee Bob Delaney in the fourth quarter against Toronto Friday. San Antonio Spurs versus the Toronto Raptors at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, December 28, 2007. Tom Reel/Staff December 28, 2007. (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

SPORTS Spurs coach Greg Popovich comes back on the court to say a final complaint against referee Bob Delaney in the fourth quarter against Toronto Friday. San Antonio Spurs versus the Toronto Raptors at the ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, is held back by assistant coach Don Newman, left, while arguing with officials during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in San Antonio, Thursday, March 6, 2008. Popovich was ejected from the game. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (AP) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, is held back by assistant coach Don Newman, left, while arguing with officials during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, is held back by... Photo-2602103.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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SPTS- Spurs Greg Popovich argues with officials as assistnat Don Newman holds him back and then he is ejected in the 2nd period of play against theIndiana Pacersat the at&t center Thursday March 6 (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS) less

SPTS- Spurs Greg Popovich argues with officials as assistnat Don Newman holds him back and then he is ejected in the 2nd period of play against theIndiana Pacersat the at&t center Thursday March 6 (SAN ANTONIO ... more

FOR SPORTS - Spurs' headcoach Gregg Popovich walks along the bench during first half action of Game 4 in the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs against the Mavericks Saturday April 25, 2009 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Tx. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

FOR SPORTS - Spurs' headcoach Gregg Popovich walks along the bench during first half action of Game 4 in the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs against the Mavericks Saturday April 25, 2009 at the ... more

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, is held back moments before he leaves the court upon being ejected early in the second quarter of NBA action against Dallas in the AT&T Center on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.netDallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, is held back moments before he leaves the court upon being ejected early in the second quarter of NBA action against Dallas in the AT&T Center on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010. BILLY ... more

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, is held back moments before he... Photo-2602106.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells at official Joe Crawford moments before he leaves the AT&T Center court upon being ejected early in the second quarter during NBA action against Dallas on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.netDallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells at official Joe Crawford moments before he leaves the AT&T Center court upon being ejected early in the second quarter during NBA action against Dallas on Friday, Jan. 8, ... more

NBA official Marc Davis, right, listens to San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich make his point in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010, in Auburn Hills, Mich. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) (AP) less

NBA official Marc Davis, right, listens to San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich make his point in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010, in Auburn Hills, ... more

FOR SPORTS - Spurs' headcoach Gregg Popovich reacts after a foul was called on Spurs' Keith Bogans during second half action of Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs against the Mavericks Sunday April 18, 2010 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Tx. The Mavericks won 100-94. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

FOR SPORTS - Spurs' headcoach Gregg Popovich reacts after a foul was called on Spurs' Keith Bogans during second half action of Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs against the ... more

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is restrianed by assistant coach Mike Budenholzer and Hank Egan after Popovich protested a flagrant foul call on Danny Ferry at the Alamodome on Monday, May 7, 2001. Popovich received a douvle technical and was ejected in the 2nd quarter. Kin Man Hui/staff. (San Antonio Express-News) less

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is restrianed by assistant coach Mike Budenholzer and Hank Egan after Popovich protested a flagrant foul call on Danny Ferry at the Alamodome on Monday, May 7, 2001. Popovich ... more

SPORTS/DAILY/STAFF PHOTO BY WILLIAM LUTHER --- Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is restrained by assistant coach Mike Budenholzer after protesting a flagfrant foul call against Danny Ferry. Popovich received a double techincal and was ejected during 2nd period Monday May 7, 2001 at the Alamodome (EN) less

SPORTS/DAILY/STAFF PHOTO BY WILLIAM LUTHER --- Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is restrained by assistant coach Mike Budenholzer after protesting a flagfrant foul call against Danny Ferry. Popovich received a ... more

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is restrianed by assistant coach Hank Egan after Popovich protetsed a flagrant foul call on Danny Ferry at the Alamodome on Monday, May 7, 2001. Popovich received a douvle technical and was ejected in the 2nd quarter. Kin Man Hui/staff. (San Antonio Express-News) less

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is restrianed by assistant coach Hank Egan after Popovich protetsed a flagrant foul call on Danny Ferry at the Alamodome on Monday, May 7, 2001. Popovich received a douvle ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popovich and San Antonio Spurs small forward Richard Jefferson (24) argue a call with NBA official Curtis Blair during a NBA basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on November 26, 2010 John Albright / Special to the Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popovich and San Antonio Spurs small forward Richard Jefferson (24) argue a call with NBA official Curtis Blair during a NBA basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popovich and San Antonio Spurs... Photo-2602115.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gestures to his players in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Hornets in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010. San Antonio defeated New Orleans 109-95. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) (AP) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gestures to his players in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Hornets in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010. San Antonio defeated New ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gestures to his players... Photo-2602117.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich yells to his team during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Hornets, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010. (Darren Abate/Special to the Express-News) (Darren Abate/Special to the Expr) less

San Antonio Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich yells to his team during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Hornets, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010. (Darren Abate/Special to the Express-News) ... more

San Antonio Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich yells to his team... Photo-2602118.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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FOR SPORTS - Spurs' Head Coach Gregg Popovich looks for a call during first half action against the Hawks Friday Dec. 10, 2010 at the AT&T Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

FOR SPORTS - Spurs' Head Coach Gregg Popovich looks for a call during first half action against the Hawks Friday Dec. 10, 2010 at the AT&T Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (SAN ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 109-103. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 109-103. (AP ... more

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich gets in the face of Marc Davis during second half against the Denver Nuggets at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010. The Spurs won 109-103. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net (San Antonio Express-News) less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich gets in the face of Marc Davis during second half against the Denver Nuggets at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010. The Spurs won 109-103. JERRY ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 94-80. (Darren Abate/Special to the Express-News) (Darren Abate/Special to the Expr) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 94-80. (Darren ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells during the second... Photo-2602123.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 101-74. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 101-74. (AP ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells during the first... Photo-2602125.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich (center) argues with official Kevin Fehr (07) after a questionable play by Dallas Mavericks' Jason Terry on Spurs' Manu Ginobili in the first half at the AT&T Center on Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich (center) argues with official Kevin Fehr (07) after a questionable play by Dallas Mavericks' Jason Terry on Spurs' Manu Ginobili in the first half at the AT&T Center on Friday, Jan. ... more

FOR SPORTS - Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich and Nuggets head coach George Karl talk with official Mike Callahan during first half action Sunday Jan. 16, 2011 at the AT&T Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

FOR SPORTS - Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich and Nuggets head coach George Karl talk with official Mike Callahan during first half action Sunday Jan. 16, 2011 at the AT&T Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ... more

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich argues a call with Leroy Richardson in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011. The Spur won 104-95 and improve to 36-6. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net (San Antonio Express-News) less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich argues a call with Leroy Richardson in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011. The Spur won 104-95 and ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich watches as official Jason Phillips makes a call against his team during second-half NBA action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.netOklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich watches as official Jason Phillips makes a call against his team during second-half NBA action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Feb. 23, ... more

Spurs coach Gregg Popvich (left) exhanges words with game official Bill Kennedy during a game against New Jersey Nets in the first half at the AT&T Center on Friday, Feb. 25, 2011. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

Spurs coach Gregg Popvich (left) exhanges words with game official Bill Kennedy during a game against New Jersey Nets in the first half at the AT&T Center on Friday, Feb. 25, 2011. Kin Man ... more

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich prostest a call by Bennett Salvatore during their game against the Los Angeles Lakers, at the AT&T Center, Sunday, March 6, 2011. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net (San Antonio Express-News) less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich prostest a call by Bennett Salvatore during their game against the Los Angeles Lakers, at the AT&T Center, Sunday, March 6, 2011. JERRY ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Bobcats, Saturday, March 19, 2011, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Bobcats, Saturday, March 19, 2011, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells during the first... Photo-2602134.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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FOR SPORTS - Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich reacts after a play against the Bobcats during first half action Saturday March 19, 2011 at the AT&T Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

FOR SPORTS - Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich reacts after a play against the Bobcats during first half action Saturday March 19, 2011 at the AT&T Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ... more

FOR SPORTS - Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich looks for a call from official Bill Kennedy during second half action against the Warriors Monday March 21, 2011 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 111-96. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

FOR SPORTS - Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich looks for a call from official Bill Kennedy during second half action against the Warriors Monday March 21, 2011 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 111-96. (PHOTO ... more

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich discusses a call with Official Curtis Blair in the first half against the Sacramento Kings at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, April 6, 2011. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net (San Antonio Express-News) less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich discusses a call with Official Curtis Blair in the first half against the Sacramento Kings at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, April 6, 2011. JERRY ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells during the first half of an NBA playoff basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Sunday, April 17, 2011, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells during the first half of an NBA playoff basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Sunday, April 17, 2011, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells during the first... Photo-2602139.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich reacts to a call in their game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Western Conference First Round at the AT&T Center, Sunday, April 17, 2011. Next Popovich is official Ed Malloy. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net (San Antonio Express-News) less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich reacts to a call in their game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Western Conference First Round at the AT&T Center, Sunday, April 17, 2011. Next ... more

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich tries to talk with official Leon Wood during their game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second game of the Western Conference Quarter Finals at the AT&T Center, April 20, 2011. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net (San Antonio Express-News) less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich tries to talk with official Leon Wood during their game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second game of the Western Conference Quarter Finals at the AT&T ... more

FOR SPORTS - San Antonio Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich reacts during second half action of Game 2 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at the AT&T Center Wednesday April 20, 2011. The Spurs won 93-87.(PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

FOR SPORTS - San Antonio Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich reacts during second half action of Game 2 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at the AT&T Center ... more

San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich talks to official Bob Delaney in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoff at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich talks to official Bob Delaney in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoff at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net ... more

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich yells to official Jason Phillips for a timeout against the Memphis Grizzlies during first half of game six of the Western Conference First Round at FedExForum, Friday, April 29, 2011. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net (San Antonio Express-News) less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich yells to official Jason Phillips for a timeout against the Memphis Grizzlies during first half of game six of the Western Conference First Round at ... more

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich during second half of game six of the Western Conference First Round at FedExForum, Friday, April 29, 2011. The lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 99-91 and the series 4-2. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net (San Antonio Express-News) less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich during second half of game six of the Western Conference First Round at FedExForum, Friday, April 29, 2011. The lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 99-91 and the ... more

FOR SPORTS - San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich calls a play against the Memphis Grizzles during first half action Monday Dec. 26, 2011 at the AT&T Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

FOR SPORTS - San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich calls a play against the Memphis Grizzles during first half action Monday Dec. 26, 2011 at the AT&T Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks to official Kevin Fehr, left, during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (AP) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks to official Kevin Fehr, left, during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, in Houston. (AP ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich reacts during overtime of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 101-95 in overtime. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (AP) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich reacts during overtime of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 101-95 in overtime. (AP Photo/Eric ... more

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 17: San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 17, 2012 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (Getty Images) less

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 17: San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 17, 2012 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ... more

SPORTS Greg Popovich argues a call with the referee as the Spurs play Sacramento at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on January 20, 2012 Tom Reel/ San Antonio Express-News (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

SPORTS Greg Popovich argues a call with the referee as the Spurs play Sacramento at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on January 20, 2012 Tom Reel/ San Antonio Express-News (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)

SPORTS Greg Popovich argues a call with the referee as the Spurs... Photo-2602154.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich talks with official Pat Fraher during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News) less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich talks with official Pat Fraher during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich questions a call by official Matt Boland during first-half NBA action against the Houston Rockets at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-NewsHouston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (San Antonio Express-News) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich questions a call by official Matt Boland during first-half NBA action against the Houston Rockets at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich questions a call with referee Steve Anderson during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012. The Spurs defeated the New Orleans Hornets 93-81. (AP Photo/Bahram Mark Sobhani) (AP) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich questions a call with referee Steve Anderson during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012. The Spurs defeated the New Orleans ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with official Marat Kobut in the first half against the New Jersey Nets during an NBA basketball game in Newark, N.J., Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012. The Spurs won 103-89. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz) (AP) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with official Marat Kobut in the first half against the New Jersey Nets during an NBA basketball game in Newark, N.J., Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012. The Spurs won ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues a call during the second half on a NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Spurs won 106-102. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) (AP) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues a call during the second half on a NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Spurs won 106-102. (AP Photo/Jim ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich shouts to his team in the fourth quarter during an NBA basketball game with the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, in Portland, Ore. The Trail Blazers defeated the Spurs 137-97. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (AP) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich shouts to his team in the fourth quarter during an NBA basketball game with the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, in Portland, Ore. The Trail Blazers ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich shouts to his team in... Photo-2602161.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich yells during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. The Bulls won 96-89. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News) less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich yells during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. The Bulls won 96-89. Jerry Lara/San Antonio ... more

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich points out a call to a game official during their game against the Charlotte Bobcats at the AT&T Center on Friday, Mar. 2, 2012. Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News) less

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich points out a call to a game official during their game against the Charlotte Bobcats at the AT&T Center on Friday, Mar. 2, 2012. Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio ... more

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich points out a call to a game official... Photo-2602163.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells at a referee after a call in the second half Spurs vs Nuggets, Sunday, March 4, 2012. The Nuggets beat the Spurs 99-94. (JENNIFER WHITNEY) (special to the Express-News)

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells at a referee after a call in the second half Spurs vs Nuggets, Sunday, March 4, 2012. The Nuggets beat the Spurs 99-94. (JENNIFER WHITNEY) (special to the Express-News)

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells at a referee after a call in... Photo-2602164.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, center, yells at referee James Williams, left, before being ejected in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, March 7, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 118-105. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, center, yells at referee James Williams, left, before being ejected in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, March 7, ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, right, continues to yell at referee James Williams (60) after being ejected in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, March 7, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 118-105. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (AP) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, right, continues to yell at referee James Williams (60) after being ejected in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, ... more

SPURS -- San Antonio Surs head coach Gregg Popovich goes after official James Williams as assistant coaches Don Newman, left and Mike Budenholzer try to keep him away during the second half against the New York Knicks at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Popovich was eject in the process. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News) less

SPURS -- San Antonio Surs head coach Gregg Popovich goes after official James Williams as assistant coaches Don Newman, left and Mike Budenholzer try to keep him away during the second half against the New York ... more

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich follows official James Williams before he is ejected during the second half against the New York Knicks at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. In back is Assistant Coach Don Newman. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (San Antonio Express-News) less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich follows official James Williams before he is ejected during the second half against the New York Knicks at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The ... more

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich shares his thoughts with referee Derek Stafford during first period action game 2 Western Conference semifinals at the SBC Center May 7, 2003. William Luther/Staff (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich shares his thoughts with referee Derek Stafford during first period action game 2 Western Conference semifinals at the SBC Center May 7, 2003. William Luther/Staff (SAN ANTONIO ... more

The Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich has a confrontational discussion with Blane Reichelt, an NBA referee in the fourth quarter of game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals at the SBC Center in San Antonio on Tuesday, May 17, 2005. (Kin Man Hui/staff) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

The Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich has a confrontational discussion with Blane Reichelt, an NBA referee in the fourth quarter of game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals at the SBC Center in San Antonio on ... more

The Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich has a confrontational... Photo-2602171.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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Gregg Popovich screams at the referees about the lack of foul calls for the Spurs during first quarter action game four NBA Finals on Thursday, June 16, 2005 at the Palace at Auburn Hills. Popovich received a technical foul. BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI/STAFF (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS) less

Gregg Popovich screams at the referees about the lack of foul calls for the Spurs during first quarter action game four NBA Finals on Thursday, June 16, 2005 at the Palace at Auburn Hills. Popovich received a ... more

Gregg Popovich screams at the referees about the lack of foul calls... Photo-2602172.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich reacts to a technical foul called against him as assistant coach Don Newman holds him back during first quarter action game four of the NBA Finals at The Palace of Auburn Hills near Detroit, Michigan on Tuesday, June 14, 2005. (Kin Man Hui/staff) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich reacts to a technical foul called against him as assistant coach Don Newman holds him back during first quarter action game four of the NBA Finals at The Palace of Auburn Hills near ... more

SPORTS - Spurs coach Gregg Popovich (right) screams at NBA referee Gary Benson and as a result gets tossed from the game against the Indiana Pacers on Friday, January 4, 2002. Kin Man Hui/staff. (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

SPORTS - Spurs coach Gregg Popovich (right) screams at NBA referee Gary Benson and as a result gets tossed from the game against the Indiana Pacers on Friday, January 4, 2002. Kin Man Hui/staff. (SAN ANTONIO ... more

Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich (right) argues a call with a referee against Sacramento Kings' in the first half of Game 6 of the first round of the 2006 NBA Western Conference playoffs at the Arco Arena in Sacramento on Friday, May 5, 2006. (Kin Man Hui/staff) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich (right) argues a call with a referee against Sacramento Kings' in the first half of Game 6 of the first round of the 2006 NBA Western Conference playoffs at the Arco Arena in ... more

SPORTS --- The Spurs' Gregg Popovich, left, and Tim Duncan talk Tuesday night May 9, 2006 at the AT&T Center to the officials about a call during the second game of their Western Conference Semi-Finals match-up against the Dallas Mavericks. (BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI/STAFF) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS) less

SPORTS --- The Spurs' Gregg Popovich, left, and Tim Duncan talk Tuesday night May 9, 2006 at the AT&T Center to the officials about a call during the second game of their Western Conference Semi-Finals ... more

SPORTS --- Coach Gregg Popovich and Michael Finley argue with ref Eddie Rush in the fourth quarter Tuesday night May 9, 2006 at the AT&T Center during the second game of their Western Conference Semi-Finals match-up. The Spurs lost 91-113. (BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI/STAFF) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS) less

SPORTS --- Coach Gregg Popovich and Michael Finley argue with ref Eddie Rush in the fourth quarter Tuesday night May 9, 2006 at the AT&T Center during the second game of their Western Conference Semi-Finals ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts to a call during second half action against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals during the 2006 NBA playoffs in San Antonio, Texas May 22, 2006. The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 119-111 to advance to the Western Conference finals. REUTERS/Joe Mitchell (REUTERS) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts to a call during second half action against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals during the 2006 NBA playoffs in San Antonio, ... more

The San Antonio Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich confers with game official #16, Ted Bernhardt, who fans accused of missing calls against the Nets throughout the second half Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. (KAREN L. SHAW/STAFF) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

The San Antonio Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich confers with game official #16, Ted Bernhardt, who fans accused of missing calls against the Nets throughout the second half Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002 at the ... more

SPORTS - Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has words with an official during second-quarter action against the Memphis Grizzlies in the San Antonio Alamodome on Tuesday, March 12, 2002. BILLY CALZADA / STAFF (SAN ANTONIIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

SPORTS - Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has words with an official during second-quarter action against the Memphis Grizzlies in the San Antonio Alamodome on Tuesday, March 12, 2002. BILLY CALZADA / STAFF (SAN ... more

SPORTS Spurs coach Greg Popovich expresses his displeasure with the officiating in the game against the Knicks Saturday night at the AT&T Center. SAN ANTONIO SPURS VERSUS NEW YORK KNICKS AT THE AT&T CENTER TOM REEL/STAFF NOVEMBER 11, 2006. (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

SPORTS Spurs coach Greg Popovich expresses his displeasure with the officiating in the game against the Knicks Saturday night at the AT&T Center. SAN ANTONIO SPURS VERSUS NEW YORK KNICKS AT THE AT&T CENTER ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, is held back by assistant coach Don Newman after Popovich was ejected during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007, in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 82-78. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (AP) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, is held back by assistant coach Don Newman after Popovich was ejected during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007, in Cleveland. ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, is held back by... Photo-2602184.40337 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich discusses a call with referee Jack Nies during the second half of game one of the first round against the Denver Nuggets at the at&t Center on Sunday, April 22, 2007. ( JERRY LARA STAFF ) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich discusses a call with referee Jack Nies during the second half of game one of the first round against the Denver Nuggets at the at&t Center on Sunday, April 22, 2007. ... more